For Immediate ReleaseDec. 6, 2011

Contact: Mike Maharrey Communications Director

O: 213.935.0553F: 213.402.3938
media@tenthamendmentcenter.com
www.tenthamendmentcenter.com

State sovereignty, nullification spotlighted during presidential forum

Republican presidential hopefuls shared the spotlight with the Tenth Amendment, state sovereignty issues and the principles of nullification during Saturday’s Republican Presidential Forum hosted by Mike Huckabee.

“The emphasis you saw placed on limiting the powers of the federal government during the forum reflects an awakening we’re seeing across America,” Tenth Amendment Center communications director Mike Maharrey said. “People are concerned about the growing power and intrusiveness of the federal government – from the whole health care issue to concerns that the government is disregarding our civil liberties in the name of security. People are recognizing we need to return to the proper balance of power between the state and federal government intended by the founders.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt asked Rick Santorum why he thought the founders created a separation of power between the state and federal governments.

“There was a clear intent that the federal government would be very limited and that the states would have, in fact, sort of a belt and suspenders ability to keep power at the state level, which of course, would also mean that it would be closer to the people, and the people would have more control to be able to keep that power,” Santorum said.

When Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi asked if he thought the courts were the ultimate and only arbiter of the Constitution, the former Pennsylvania senator answered emphatically.

“Absolutely not.”

Rep. Ron Paul called for a fresh look at nullification, a principle first articulated by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, whereby states effectively declare null and void unconstitutional acts.

“We realize it’s such a mess because we’ve turned the Constitution on its head. Today, the federal government is very big and the states are very little, and it is a consequence of our carelessness with the Constitution,” Paul said. “This would reverse the trend and this would stop the usurpation of all the powers and privileges from the states to the federal government. “

###

The Tenth Amendment Center exists to promote and advance a return to a proper balance of power between federal and State governments envisioned by our founders, prescribed by the Constitution and explicitly declared in the Tenth Amendment. A national think tank based in Los Angeles, the Tenth Amendment Center works to preserve and protect the principle of strictly limited government through information, education, and activism.

The 10th Amendment

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

LEARN MORE

01

Featured Articles

On the Constitution, history, the founders, and analysis of current events.

featured articles

02

Tenther Blog and News

Nullification news, quick takes, history, interviews, podcasts and much more.

tenther blog

03

State of the Nullification Movement

232 pages. History, constitutionality, and application today.

get the report

01

Path to Liberty

Our flagship podcast. Michael Boldin on the constitution, history, and strategy for liberty today

path to liberty

02

maharrey minute

The title says it all. Mike Maharrey with a 1 minute take on issues under a 10th Amendment lens. maharrey minute

Tenther Essentials

2-4 minute videos on key Constitutional issues - history, and application today

TENTHER ESSENTIALS

Join TAC, Support Liberty!

Nothing helps us get the job done more than the financial support of our members, from just $2/month!

JOIN TAC

01

The 10th Amendment

History, meaning, and purpose - the "Foundation of the Constitution."

10th Amendment

03

Nullification

Get an overview of the principles, background, and application in history - and today.

nullification